Ghana’s group opponent Croatia name squad for 2026 World Cup

Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalić has announced a 26-man squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as the team steps up preparations for the tournament in North America.At the heart of it all remains captain Luka Modrić, whose leadership and control in midfield continue to define Croatia’s identity on the international stage. He is joined in midfield by long-time partner Mateo Kovačić and attacking midfielder Mario Pašalić, both of whom provide balance between experience and energy.A significant portion of the squad also reflects continuity from Croatia’s historic run to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final. Goalkeeper Dominik Livaković remains a key figure between the posts, while defender Duje Ćaleta-Car adds stability and aerial presence at the back. On the flanks and in attack, veteran forward Ivan Perišić continues to offer versatility and big-game experience, while striker Andrej Kramarić remains one of the side’s most reliable finishing options.

Croatia’s 26-man squad:

Goalkeepers: Dominik Livakovic (Dinamo Zagreb), Dominik Kotarski (FC Copenhagen), Ivor Pandur (Hull City).

Defenders: Josip Stanisic (Bayern Munich), Kristijan Jakic (Augsburg), Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City), Luka Vuskovic (Hamburg), Martin Erlic (Midtjylland), Duje Caleta-Car (Real Sociedad), Josip Sutalo (Ajax), Marin Pongracic (Fiorentina).

Midfielders: Luka Modric (Milan), Mateo Kovacic (Manchester City), Mario Pasalic (Atalanta), Nikola Vlasic (Torino), Luka Sucic (Real Sociedad), Nikola Moro (Bologna), Martin Baturina (Come), Petar Sucic (Inter Milan), Toni Fruk (Rijeka).

Forwards: Marco Pasalic (Orlando City), Ivan Perisic (PSV Eindhoven), Andrej Kramaric (Hoffenheim), Igor Matanovic (Freiburg), Petar Musa (FC Dallas), Ante Budimir (Osasuna).

Reserves: Karlo Letica (Lausanne), Ivan Smolcic (Como), Lovro Majer (Wolfsburg), Dion Drena Beljo (Dinamo), Franjo Ivanovic (Benfica), Luka Stojkovic (Dinamo), Adrian Segecic (Portsmouth).

The former finalists will begin their Group L campaign on 17 June in Dallas against England, before travelling to Toronto to face Panama on 23 June. Their final Group stage fixture will be played on 27 June in Philadelphia against Ghana.Croatia’s build-up schedule has also been confirmed, with the squad set to assemble on 25 May in Rijeka to begin training. As part of their preparations, they will play a friendly against Belgium on 2 June.The team will then move to Varaždin for a second friendly on 7 June against Slovenia, following a short training block. Two days later, Croatia are expected to depart for Washington to continue final preparations before the World Cup begins.The announcement marks the start of an important phase for Dalić’s side as they fine-tune tactics and assess player fitness ahead of a challenging group featuring England’s attacking depth, Panama’s physical style, and Ghana’s athletic and fast-paced approach.

Related World Cup coverage: Ghana World Cup 2026 guide | African teams World Cup fixtures

Daraja Kapoor

Daraja Kapoor is a highly respected football journalist, editor and analyst, known for his compelling storytelling and sharp, data-driven insights into the game. He specialises in match analysis, features, emerging talent coverage and football trends across Africa.He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Cape Coast and has built a strong reputation in the media industry through his disciplined approach and deep understanding of football.Daraja received his journalistic training at leading news platform Ghanaguardian.com and has worked with some of the most prominent football websites in Ghana, including Footballmadeinghana.com and Ghanasoccernet.com. He also served as Sports Editor of Talysports.com, where he played a key role in shaping editorial direction and content strategy.He is currently the Managing Editor of African.Football, where he leads the platform’s editorial vision, overseeing content production, quality control and the delivery of authoritative African football coverage to a global audience.

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